Top News
Warner Bros. will release the first of its new batch of live-action “The Lord of the Rings” films in 2026, which will focus on Andy Serkis’ Gollum.
Original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the movie and “will be involved every step of the way,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said during an earnings call Thursday.
The project is currently in the early stages of script development from writers Walsh and Boyens, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” Zaslav said.
In a press release from Warner Bros. later Thursday morning, the studio revealed that the working title for the film is “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” and it will be directed by and star Serkis in his iconic titular role. The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins,...
Original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the movie and “will be involved every step of the way,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said during an earnings call Thursday.
The project is currently in the early stages of script development from writers Walsh and Boyens, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” Zaslav said.
In a press release from Warner Bros. later Thursday morning, the studio revealed that the working title for the film is “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” and it will be directed by and star Serkis in his iconic titular role. The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety - Film News
Steve Albini, the noise rock pioneer with Big Black and Shellac who also helped engineer some of the greatest alternative rock albums of all time — Nirvana’s In Utero and Pixies’ Surfer Rosa among them — has died at the age of 61.
Staff at Albini’s Electrical Audio Recording confirmed to Rolling Stone that Albini died Tuesday night, with the New York Times adding that the cause of death was a heart attack. Albini’s death comes just a week after his acclaimed noise rock project Shellac was set to release To All Trains,...
Staff at Albini’s Electrical Audio Recording confirmed to Rolling Stone that Albini died Tuesday night, with the New York Times adding that the cause of death was a heart attack. Albini’s death comes just a week after his acclaimed noise rock project Shellac was set to release To All Trains,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
An HBO concert special based on Lady Gaga’s 2022 “Chromatica Ball” tour will premiere on the network on Saturday, May 25 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt and will be available to stream on Max.
The special was filmed before a sold-out crowd of 52,000 people at Los Angeles’s Dodger Stadium in September of 2022 and features the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist performing such hits as “Bad Romance,” “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” “Shallow,” “Rain On Me,” “Stupid Love” and more.
The special was produced, directed and created by Lady Gaga; executive producers were her longtime manager...
The special was filmed before a sold-out crowd of 52,000 people at Los Angeles’s Dodger Stadium in September of 2022 and features the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist performing such hits as “Bad Romance,” “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” “Shallow,” “Rain On Me,” “Stupid Love” and more.
The special was produced, directed and created by Lady Gaga; executive producers were her longtime manager...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety - TV News
New ‘The Office’ Series Picked Up at Peacock, First Plot Details Reveal Midwestern Newspaper Setting
The new iteration of “The Office” has been picked up to series at Peacock, Variety has learned.
As has been previously reported, the show is not a reboot or spinoff of “The Office,” but rather a new mockumentary show with a new cast set in the same universe. For the first time since the show was first revealed to be in the works in late 2023, plot details are now available. The official logline states:
“The documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch is in search of a new subject when they discover a dying historic Midwestern newspaper and...
As has been previously reported, the show is not a reboot or spinoff of “The Office,” but rather a new mockumentary show with a new cast set in the same universe. For the first time since the show was first revealed to be in the works in late 2023, plot details are now available. The official logline states:
“The documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch is in search of a new subject when they discover a dying historic Midwestern newspaper and...
- 5/8/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Travis Kelce has joined the cast of Ryan Murphy’s new horror series “Grotesquerie.”
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been cast opposite Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville in the FX series, which will premiere this fall. Although character details have not been revealed, this marks Kelce’s first major acting role.
Kelce confirmed the news in an Instagram Story featuring a video of himself and Nash-Betts.
“Guys, guess who I am working with in ‘Grotesquerie’?” Nash-Betts asks in the video before panning over to Kelce.
“Stepping into new territory with Niecy,” Kelce adds.
The NFL...
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been cast opposite Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville in the FX series, which will premiere this fall. Although character details have not been revealed, this marks Kelce’s first major acting role.
Kelce confirmed the news in an Instagram Story featuring a video of himself and Nash-Betts.
“Guys, guess who I am working with in ‘Grotesquerie’?” Nash-Betts asks in the video before panning over to Kelce.
“Stepping into new territory with Niecy,” Kelce adds.
The NFL...
- 5/8/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety - TV News
Isabelle Huppert will preside over the main jury of the upcoming Venice Film Festival.
The revered French actor has a longstanding rapport with the Lido, having won Venice’s
Coppa Volpi for best actress twice, first with “Story of Women” in 1988, and subsequently with “La Cérémonie” in 1995, both directed by Claude Chabrol.
Huppert – who has made a total of eight films with Chabrol – also has a close bond with the Cannes Film Festival where in 1978 she won the best actress statuette for Chabrol’s “Violette.” In 2001, Huppert won her second best actress award at Cannes for her tour-de-force performance as a sado-masochistic music professor in Michael Haneke’s “The Piano.” In 2005, Huppert was honored by Venice with a Special Golden Lion for her titular role in “Gabrielle,” Patrice Chéreau’s costume drama about an imploded marriage.
In 2017 she gained her first Academy Award nomination for her role as a rape...
The revered French actor has a longstanding rapport with the Lido, having won Venice’s
Coppa Volpi for best actress twice, first with “Story of Women” in 1988, and subsequently with “La Cérémonie” in 1995, both directed by Claude Chabrol.
Huppert – who has made a total of eight films with Chabrol – also has a close bond with the Cannes Film Festival where in 1978 she won the best actress statuette for Chabrol’s “Violette.” In 2001, Huppert won her second best actress award at Cannes for her tour-de-force performance as a sado-masochistic music professor in Michael Haneke’s “The Piano.” In 2005, Huppert was honored by Venice with a Special Golden Lion for her titular role in “Gabrielle,” Patrice Chéreau’s costume drama about an imploded marriage.
In 2017 she gained her first Academy Award nomination for her role as a rape...
- 5/8/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Mubi has kicked off its 2024 Cannes Film Festival early and in style, acquiring worldwide rights to one of the buzziest films set to premiere in competition.
The arthouse distributor, production banner and streamer has landed Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance,” starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Denis Quaid, picking up all rights for North America, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America and Benelux, where it will release theatrically this year. Mubi has also acquired the rights for Turkey and India. The Match Factory, owned by Mubi, is handling sales for all other territories.
Written and directed by Fargeat, who made a noise with her debut, 2017’s action-thriller “Revenge,” “The Substance” goes into Cannes with a significant amount of intrigue, having been produced by Working Title, the Brit banner best known for rom-coms and prestige dramas.
“Have you ever dreamed of a better version of yourself?” reads the...
The arthouse distributor, production banner and streamer has landed Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance,” starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Denis Quaid, picking up all rights for North America, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America and Benelux, where it will release theatrically this year. Mubi has also acquired the rights for Turkey and India. The Match Factory, owned by Mubi, is handling sales for all other territories.
Written and directed by Fargeat, who made a noise with her debut, 2017’s action-thriller “Revenge,” “The Substance” goes into Cannes with a significant amount of intrigue, having been produced by Working Title, the Brit banner best known for rom-coms and prestige dramas.
“Have you ever dreamed of a better version of yourself?” reads the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Susan Buckner, an American actor best known for her role as Patty Simcox in the 1978 musical “Grease,” died May 2. She was 72. Her death was confirmed by her publicist.
At the age of 25, Buckner was cast in the role of the Rydell High cheerleader, joining a cast that included John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. As Simcox, Buckner played a solider of school spirit, with an iconic cheer cemented into fans’ minds: “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
Buckner continued working as an actor with guest credits across several television shows, including “The Love Boat,” “B.J and the Bear” and “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.” She co-starred in the ABC series “When the Whistle Blows.” Among other notable feature credits, Buckner appeared in Wes Craven’s 1981 horror film “Deadly Blessing” opposite Sharon Stone, as...
At the age of 25, Buckner was cast in the role of the Rydell High cheerleader, joining a cast that included John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. As Simcox, Buckner played a solider of school spirit, with an iconic cheer cemented into fans’ minds: “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
Buckner continued working as an actor with guest credits across several television shows, including “The Love Boat,” “B.J and the Bear” and “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.” She co-starred in the ABC series “When the Whistle Blows.” Among other notable feature credits, Buckner appeared in Wes Craven’s 1981 horror film “Deadly Blessing” opposite Sharon Stone, as...
- 5/7/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
The “Blade Runner” series in the works at Amazon Prime Video has cast Michelle Yeoh in a lead role, Variety has learned.
The series, titled “Blade Runner 2099,” was ordered at Amazon in September 2022. It serves as a sequel to both the original “Blade Runner” film and the followup film, “Blade Runner 2049.” Exact plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say Yeoh will play a character named Olwen, described as a replicant near the end of her life.
Amazon declined to comment on specific character details.
Yeoh won the Academy Award for best actress for “Everything Everywhere All at Once...
The series, titled “Blade Runner 2099,” was ordered at Amazon in September 2022. It serves as a sequel to both the original “Blade Runner” film and the followup film, “Blade Runner 2049.” Exact plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say Yeoh will play a character named Olwen, described as a replicant near the end of her life.
Amazon declined to comment on specific character details.
Yeoh won the Academy Award for best actress for “Everything Everywhere All at Once...
- 5/7/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Some breaking news from Westeros: The Game of Thrones prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has added a major talent from Black Mirror to serve as its debut season’s lead director, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Owen Harris has boarded the HBO drama as an executive producer and will also direct the first three episodes, establishing the directorial vision for the series. Harris is best known for helming two of Black Mirror‘s finest episodes — “Be Right Back” and the widely acclaimed “San Junipero.”
In addition, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ episode count has now been revealed: The first season will be six episodes, making for a tighter opener than the 10-episode first seasons of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The run time seems appropriate given Knight is an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s 160-page novella The Hedge Knight rather than one of his 900-page epic novels.
Owen Harris has boarded the HBO drama as an executive producer and will also direct the first three episodes, establishing the directorial vision for the series. Harris is best known for helming two of Black Mirror‘s finest episodes — “Be Right Back” and the widely acclaimed “San Junipero.”
In addition, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ episode count has now been revealed: The first season will be six episodes, making for a tighter opener than the 10-episode first seasons of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The run time seems appropriate given Knight is an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s 160-page novella The Hedge Knight rather than one of his 900-page epic novels.
- 5/7/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Primates will rule (the box office) again!
Disney’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is aiming for $50 million to $55 million from 3,700 theaters in its domestic debut, which will easily be enough to tower over the box office chart. Those ticket sales are roughly even with two of the three prior installments in 20th Century’s rebooted “Planet of the Apes” franchise: 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes” opened to $56.2 million and 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” opened to $54.8 million, while 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” notched a series-best $72 million.
At the international box office, where “Apes” movies tend to make the bulk of their revenues, this installment is tracking to collect $80 million to $90 million. Based on those projections, the film should end up on Sunday with a solid $130 million to $140 million at the global box office.
Directed by Wes Ball,...
Disney’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is aiming for $50 million to $55 million from 3,700 theaters in its domestic debut, which will easily be enough to tower over the box office chart. Those ticket sales are roughly even with two of the three prior installments in 20th Century’s rebooted “Planet of the Apes” franchise: 2017’s “War for the Planet of the Apes” opened to $56.2 million and 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” opened to $54.8 million, while 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” notched a series-best $72 million.
At the international box office, where “Apes” movies tend to make the bulk of their revenues, this installment is tracking to collect $80 million to $90 million. Based on those projections, the film should end up on Sunday with a solid $130 million to $140 million at the global box office.
Directed by Wes Ball,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
Protagonist Pictures has unveiled the new drama-thriller Press Your Luck, starring Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird, Richard Jewell, I, Tonya). The company on Thursday also unveiled a first glimpse at the project, based on the “incredible” true story of Michael Larson, an unemployed ice-cream truck driver from Ohio who steps onto the game show “Press Your Luck” harboring a secret: the key to endless amounts of money. But his winning streak gets threatened when executives in the control room start to uncover his real motivations.
The all-star ensemble cast also includes Walton Goggins (Fallout, The Righteous Gemstones, The Hateful Eight), David Strathairn (Nomadland, Good Night and Good Luck), Maisie Williams (The New Look, Game of Thrones), Haley Bennett (Swallow, The Magnificent Seven), Shamier Anderson (John Wick: Chapter 4, “Invasion”), and David Rysdahl (Fargo, Oppenheimer).
Jackass legend Johnny Knoxville, Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker, Chicago P.D.), Patti Harrison (Theater Camp,...
The all-star ensemble cast also includes Walton Goggins (Fallout, The Righteous Gemstones, The Hateful Eight), David Strathairn (Nomadland, Good Night and Good Luck), Maisie Williams (The New Look, Game of Thrones), Haley Bennett (Swallow, The Magnificent Seven), Shamier Anderson (John Wick: Chapter 4, “Invasion”), and David Rysdahl (Fargo, Oppenheimer).
Jackass legend Johnny Knoxville, Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker, Chicago P.D.), Patti Harrison (Theater Camp,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Huggy Wuggy has been called up by Hollywood.
Beating out several competitive offers, Legendary has closed an aggressive deal with Mob Entertainment to develop and produce a live-action feature adaptation of Poppy Playtime, a horror video game featuring the toy-turned-monster.
Legendary will develop and produce along with Mob Entertainment and Angry Films’ Don Murphy and Susan Montford, who recently finished filming horror movie Faces of Death for the company.
Featuring shades of Willy Wonka, Toy Story and Gremlins, the first person video game sees the player acting as a former employee of a faded toy brand who, thanks to a cryptic letter, is drawn back to an abandoned facility only to quickly discover it has become home to a host of toys, including Huggy Wuggy, Mommy Long Legs, and CatNap, that have taken on a life of their own. Players have to decipher clues, solve puzzles and use gadgets to...
Beating out several competitive offers, Legendary has closed an aggressive deal with Mob Entertainment to develop and produce a live-action feature adaptation of Poppy Playtime, a horror video game featuring the toy-turned-monster.
Legendary will develop and produce along with Mob Entertainment and Angry Films’ Don Murphy and Susan Montford, who recently finished filming horror movie Faces of Death for the company.
Featuring shades of Willy Wonka, Toy Story and Gremlins, the first person video game sees the player acting as a former employee of a faded toy brand who, thanks to a cryptic letter, is drawn back to an abandoned facility only to quickly discover it has become home to a host of toys, including Huggy Wuggy, Mommy Long Legs, and CatNap, that have taken on a life of their own. Players have to decipher clues, solve puzzles and use gadgets to...
- 5/9/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeff Zucker, the former president of CNN and CEO of NBCUniversal, explained his M&a focus with RedBird Imi during a conference appearance in London on Thursday, saying that “quality programming that you own … will continue to be the key” in a media industry that has been facing “disruption” and various challenges.
The investment firm bases its work on a key premise. “The idea is that intellectual property and quality content, whether it’s entertainment or news and information, will succeed in the long run with the proper eventual amount of capital and patience,” the industry veteran explained at the Wall Street Journal event.
So, “investing, building, and growing” is the focus at RedBird Imi, which is “not what is really going on in a lot of media,” Zucker said. “It’s actually quite a relief right now to be in the process of trying to grow assets, and each...
The investment firm bases its work on a key premise. “The idea is that intellectual property and quality content, whether it’s entertainment or news and information, will succeed in the long run with the proper eventual amount of capital and patience,” the industry veteran explained at the Wall Street Journal event.
So, “investing, building, and growing” is the focus at RedBird Imi, which is “not what is really going on in a lot of media,” Zucker said. “It’s actually quite a relief right now to be in the process of trying to grow assets, and each...
- 5/9/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chad Michael Murray cemented himself as an early 2000s dreamboat with roles in A Cinderella Story, One Tree Hill, Freaky Friday and more. Now, as a father of three, the actor says his kids are one of his biggest considerations when choosing new roles.
The Mother of the Bride star sat down with Numéro Netherlands ahead of the release of the Netflix movie and discussed his decades-long career, future projects and how he always puts his family first.
“I would say, a lot of material, especially over the past five to eight years since my son was born, I choose because I think one of the last things you really want is for your kids to be berated in school for what their parents are doing,” Murray told the publication. “I don’t want my kids going to school, being freshmen in high school, and Dad’s butt posted all over their locker.
The Mother of the Bride star sat down with Numéro Netherlands ahead of the release of the Netflix movie and discussed his decades-long career, future projects and how he always puts his family first.
“I would say, a lot of material, especially over the past five to eight years since my son was born, I choose because I think one of the last things you really want is for your kids to be berated in school for what their parents are doing,” Murray told the publication. “I don’t want my kids going to school, being freshmen in high school, and Dad’s butt posted all over their locker.
- 5/9/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Jordan Peele-produced psychological horror film set in the world of football has revealed its official title — Him — and a Sept. 19, 2025 release date in theaters. Universal and Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions announced the news Thursday.
Justin Tipping is directing the movie, which stars Marlon Wayans as a legendary quarterback tasked with training a rising young athlete, played by Tyriq Withers. The film’s working title was Goat.
Him came out of a pitch from Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie. Peele will produce along with Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper and Jamal Watson.
The film also stars Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, comedian Jim Jefferies, and hip hop phenoms Guapdad 4000 and Grammy nominee Tierra Whack, both in their feature film debuts.
Wayans is coming off of work in Ben Affleck’s awards contender Air, about Nike’s quest to sign a young Michael Jordan, with other acting credits in recent years including...
Justin Tipping is directing the movie, which stars Marlon Wayans as a legendary quarterback tasked with training a rising young athlete, played by Tyriq Withers. The film’s working title was Goat.
Him came out of a pitch from Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie. Peele will produce along with Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper and Jamal Watson.
The film also stars Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, comedian Jim Jefferies, and hip hop phenoms Guapdad 4000 and Grammy nominee Tierra Whack, both in their feature film debuts.
Wayans is coming off of work in Ben Affleck’s awards contender Air, about Nike’s quest to sign a young Michael Jordan, with other acting credits in recent years including...
- 5/9/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jon Stewart is adding another hosting gig to his Daily Show plate — though this one isn’t on camera.
Stewart, who returned to The Daily Show for a once-a-week turn behind the desk in February, will host a podcast for Comedy Central beginning in June. It will be called The Weekly Show and will essentially bea an audio version of The Daily Show, with Stewart delving into pressing topics from the news and interviewing newsmakers, authors and celebrities.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have decided to extend my work week to two days,” Stewart joked in a statement. “All hail Comedy Central!”
Stewart has been back at The Daily Show — which he hosted for 16 years before stepping aside in 2015 — for about two months, following Comedy Central’s surprise announcement that he’d anchor the late-night show on Mondays (except for this week) through the presidential election. His return...
Stewart, who returned to The Daily Show for a once-a-week turn behind the desk in February, will host a podcast for Comedy Central beginning in June. It will be called The Weekly Show and will essentially bea an audio version of The Daily Show, with Stewart delving into pressing topics from the news and interviewing newsmakers, authors and celebrities.
“After much reflection, meditation, and prayer, I have decided to extend my work week to two days,” Stewart joked in a statement. “All hail Comedy Central!”
Stewart has been back at The Daily Show — which he hosted for 16 years before stepping aside in 2015 — for about two months, following Comedy Central’s surprise announcement that he’d anchor the late-night show on Mondays (except for this week) through the presidential election. His return...
- 5/9/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Light up the Bat-Signal! Prime Video’s animated series “Batman: Caped Crusader” will premiere Aug. 1. The streamer will release all 10 episodes of the first season.
The series is a reimagining of the Batman mythology from executive producers J.J. Abrams, Matt Reeves and Bruce Timm. Ed Brubaker, James Tucker, Daniel Pipski, Rachel Rusch Rich and Sam Register also serve as executive producers for the series.
The logline for “Caped Crusader” reads: “Welcome to Gotham City, where the corrupt outnumber the good, criminals run rampant and law-abiding citizens live in a constant state of fear. Forged in the fire of tragedy, wealthy...
The series is a reimagining of the Batman mythology from executive producers J.J. Abrams, Matt Reeves and Bruce Timm. Ed Brubaker, James Tucker, Daniel Pipski, Rachel Rusch Rich and Sam Register also serve as executive producers for the series.
The logline for “Caped Crusader” reads: “Welcome to Gotham City, where the corrupt outnumber the good, criminals run rampant and law-abiding citizens live in a constant state of fear. Forged in the fire of tragedy, wealthy...
- 5/9/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety - TV News
Matt Reeves’ upcoming Batman animated series has released some first-look images, premiere date, and detailed character descriptions that give a sense of the show’s tone.
Titled Batman: Caped Crusader, the series is billed as a “reimagining of the Batman mythology” through the lens of a team of genre super-producers which include Reeves, J.J. Abrams, and Bruce Timm.
The official description: “Welcome to Gotham City, where the corrupt outnumber the good, criminals run rampant and law-abiding citizens live in a constant state of fear. Forged in the fire of tragedy, wealthy socialite Bruce Wayne becomes something both more and less than human—the Batman. His one-man crusade for justice attracts unexpected allies within the Gcpd and City Hall, but his heroic actions spawn deadly, unforeseen ramifications.”
The series will premiere all 10 episodes on Thursday, Aug. 1, on Prime Video.
Below is the character rundown, which include Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Dr. Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn,...
Titled Batman: Caped Crusader, the series is billed as a “reimagining of the Batman mythology” through the lens of a team of genre super-producers which include Reeves, J.J. Abrams, and Bruce Timm.
The official description: “Welcome to Gotham City, where the corrupt outnumber the good, criminals run rampant and law-abiding citizens live in a constant state of fear. Forged in the fire of tragedy, wealthy socialite Bruce Wayne becomes something both more and less than human—the Batman. His one-man crusade for justice attracts unexpected allies within the Gcpd and City Hall, but his heroic actions spawn deadly, unforeseen ramifications.”
The series will premiere all 10 episodes on Thursday, Aug. 1, on Prime Video.
Below is the character rundown, which include Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Dr. Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn,...
- 5/9/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Orlando Bloom has fond memories of making movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Lord of the Rings,” but Wolfgang Petersen’s 2004 historical epic “Troy” is a different story. During an interview for Variety’s “Know Their Lines” video series, Bloom blanked on one of the lines said by his “Troy” character Paris (he thought it must be from “Kingdom of Heaven” or “Lord of the Rings”) and admitted that he has mostly blocked the movie out of his mind.
“Oh my god, ‘Troy.’ Wow. I think I just blanked that movie out of my brain by the way,” Bloom said. “So many people love that movie, but for me playing that character was just like [slits throat]. Am I allowed to say all of these things? I didn’t want to do the movie. I didn’t want to play this character.”
“The movie was great. It was Brad [Pitt]. It was Eric [Bana] and Peter O’Toole,...
“Oh my god, ‘Troy.’ Wow. I think I just blanked that movie out of my brain by the way,” Bloom said. “So many people love that movie, but for me playing that character was just like [slits throat]. Am I allowed to say all of these things? I didn’t want to do the movie. I didn’t want to play this character.”
“The movie was great. It was Brad [Pitt]. It was Eric [Bana] and Peter O’Toole,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
Mark Marshall has been given a lot of time to prepare for NBC Universal’s annual presentation to advertisers. Last year, he only had 72 hours.
Marshall, a longtime second-in-command at NBCU’s ad-sales division, at about this time last year found himself unexpectedly in charge of the company’s “upfront” process — an annual sale of advertising that has in recent years generated approximately $7 billion in commitments from sponsors — after the abrupt departure of his colorful predecessor, Linda Yaccarino. She had served in the role since 2012 and surprised her corporate bosses and dozens of clients by taking a new job as CEO of X,...
Marshall, a longtime second-in-command at NBCU’s ad-sales division, at about this time last year found himself unexpectedly in charge of the company’s “upfront” process — an annual sale of advertising that has in recent years generated approximately $7 billion in commitments from sponsors — after the abrupt departure of his colorful predecessor, Linda Yaccarino. She had served in the role since 2012 and surprised her corporate bosses and dozens of clients by taking a new job as CEO of X,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety - TV News
In 2006, UTA presciently launched a group dedicated to the field of then-emerging digital creators, at a time when other major agencies’ online efforts were primarily focused on finding supplemental opportunities for existing film and TV clients. Now, as its portfolio of creator clients has ballooned to include heavyweights like Emma Chamberlain, the D’Amelio family and Call Her Daddy‘s Alex Cooper, the 33-year-old company is debuting an umbrella division that is “tailor-made for their needs and success across the creator economy,” in the words of agency CEO Jeremy Zimmer.
Called UTA Creators, the just-launched division brings together four previously separate agency groups — digital talent, gaming and esports, audio, and the influencer management company Dba — under one shingle, with the goal of super-serving a pool of talent that is increasingly firing on all cylinders and working on multiple platforms. (Dba continues to operate as a separate management company that has...
Called UTA Creators, the just-launched division brings together four previously separate agency groups — digital talent, gaming and esports, audio, and the influencer management company Dba — under one shingle, with the goal of super-serving a pool of talent that is increasingly firing on all cylinders and working on multiple platforms. (Dba continues to operate as a separate management company that has...
- 5/9/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kristen Johnston is headed to Netflix.
The Emmy-winning 3rd Rock From the Sun grad has been tapped to star opposite comedian Leanne Morgan in the untitled Netflix project from co-creator Chuck Lorre.
The muticamera sitcom, which was picked up with a 16-episode straight-to-series order last month, revolves around Leanne, whose life “takes an unexpected turn when her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman. Starting over when you’re a grandmother and in menopause isn’t exactly what she had in mind, but with the help of her family she will navigate this new chapter with grace, dignity and Jell-o salad.”
Johnston will star as Carol, Leanne’s sister and complete opposite. She’s twice divorced with no kids, and if there’s a choice between going to church and going to a bar, she will always choose the latter. Despite their differences, Carol is fiercely loyal to her...
The Emmy-winning 3rd Rock From the Sun grad has been tapped to star opposite comedian Leanne Morgan in the untitled Netflix project from co-creator Chuck Lorre.
The muticamera sitcom, which was picked up with a 16-episode straight-to-series order last month, revolves around Leanne, whose life “takes an unexpected turn when her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman. Starting over when you’re a grandmother and in menopause isn’t exactly what she had in mind, but with the help of her family she will navigate this new chapter with grace, dignity and Jell-o salad.”
Johnston will star as Carol, Leanne’s sister and complete opposite. She’s twice divorced with no kids, and if there’s a choice between going to church and going to a bar, she will always choose the latter. Despite their differences, Carol is fiercely loyal to her...
- 5/9/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kristen Johnston will star alongside Leanne Morgan in the latter’s upcoming Netflix comedy series, Variety has learned.
The untitled multi-cam comedy was picked up at Netflix in April with a 16-episode order. Morgan co-created the series with Susan McMartin and Chuck Lorre. The role marks a reunion for Lorre and Johnston, as Johnston previously appeared in the CBS multi-cam “Mom,” which Lorre also co-created.
The official description for Morgan’s series states: “Leanne’s life takes an unexpected turn when her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman. Starting over when you’re a grandmother and in menopause...
The untitled multi-cam comedy was picked up at Netflix in April with a 16-episode order. Morgan co-created the series with Susan McMartin and Chuck Lorre. The role marks a reunion for Lorre and Johnston, as Johnston previously appeared in the CBS multi-cam “Mom,” which Lorre also co-created.
The official description for Morgan’s series states: “Leanne’s life takes an unexpected turn when her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman. Starting over when you’re a grandmother and in menopause...
- 5/9/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Nicholas Galitzine recently told British GQ that he felt somewhat guilty when deciding whether or not to play a gay character as a straight man because he does not want to take up anyone else’s space or opportunities. Galitzine starred opposite Taylor Zakhar Perez last year in Prime Video’s popular gay romance film “Red White and Royal Blue,” and he’s currently a co-lead opposite Julianne Moore in the Starz drama “George & Mary.” Galitzine’s character in the series is queer.
“I identify as a straight man, but I have been a part of some incredible queer stories,” Galitzine told the publication. “I felt a sense of uncertainty sometimes about whether I’m taking up someone’s space, and perhaps guilt. At the same time, I see those characters as not solely their sexuality.”
Galitzine stressed that “I am Nick, and I’m not my role,” and that...
“I identify as a straight man, but I have been a part of some incredible queer stories,” Galitzine told the publication. “I felt a sense of uncertainty sometimes about whether I’m taking up someone’s space, and perhaps guilt. At the same time, I see those characters as not solely their sexuality.”
Galitzine stressed that “I am Nick, and I’m not my role,” and that...
- 5/9/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - Film News
Sandbox Films has promoted Jessica Harrop to executive director of the company. In her new role, she will lead in strategic planning, editorial decision-making and the building of new partnerships and initiatives at the nonfiction studio.
Harrop is an Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning producer. She played a pivotal role in launching and growing Sandbox Films, joining the team before the company’s official formation. Serving for the past five years as the head of production and development, she was instrumental in growing the slate of films and played a major role in all productions including Sara Dosa’s Oscar-nominated “Fire of Love.” Before Sandbox Films, she worked as a freelance showrunner, producer and writer for science television.
“I couldn’t be more excited to take on this new role at Sandbox Films, a company that I helped build from the ground up, with a mission I care deeply about,” Harrop said in a statement.
Harrop is an Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning producer. She played a pivotal role in launching and growing Sandbox Films, joining the team before the company’s official formation. Serving for the past five years as the head of production and development, she was instrumental in growing the slate of films and played a major role in all productions including Sara Dosa’s Oscar-nominated “Fire of Love.” Before Sandbox Films, she worked as a freelance showrunner, producer and writer for science television.
“I couldn’t be more excited to take on this new role at Sandbox Films, a company that I helped build from the ground up, with a mission I care deeply about,” Harrop said in a statement.
- 5/9/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety - Film News
“Baby Reindeer” star Richard Gadd and “Jurassic Park” icon Jeff Goldblum are among those set to present a BAFTA TV award on Sunday night.
Also signed up to presenting duties on the night are Gadd’s “Baby Reindeer” co-star Jessica Gunning, Bond actor Lashana Lynch and “The Hobbit’s” Martin Freeman.
The audience will also be studded with British TV icons. Those scheduled to attend include “The Crown’s” Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki, “Ted Lasso” actor Hannah Waddingham, “Succession” stars Brian Cox and Harriet Walter, former Doctor Who David Tennant, “Harry Potter” alum Helena Bonham Carter, “Bad Sisters” creator...
Also signed up to presenting duties on the night are Gadd’s “Baby Reindeer” co-star Jessica Gunning, Bond actor Lashana Lynch and “The Hobbit’s” Martin Freeman.
The audience will also be studded with British TV icons. Those scheduled to attend include “The Crown’s” Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki, “Ted Lasso” actor Hannah Waddingham, “Succession” stars Brian Cox and Harriet Walter, former Doctor Who David Tennant, “Harry Potter” alum Helena Bonham Carter, “Bad Sisters” creator...
- 5/9/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety - TV News
Netflix used to say its goal was to become HBO faster than HBO could become Netflix.
Well, Netflix succeeded on that front. Now Warner Bros. Discovery — in partnership with Disney and others — is looking to recomposite a cable TV-style streaming bundle to gain greater scale before Netflix gets even farther ahead of legacy media companies.
David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, speaking on the company’s Q1 earnings call Thursday, described streaming as “a generational disruption” to the industry. Wbd’s just-announced deal with Disney to introduce a three-way bundle comprising Max, Disney+ and Hulu starting this summer in the U.S. is emblematic of a “restructuring of how people view content,” he said.
“It does feel like this is a moment, a moment in terms of what the next year two years will bring,” Zaslav said. “You know I said a while back that this is a generational disruption.
Well, Netflix succeeded on that front. Now Warner Bros. Discovery — in partnership with Disney and others — is looking to recomposite a cable TV-style streaming bundle to gain greater scale before Netflix gets even farther ahead of legacy media companies.
David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, speaking on the company’s Q1 earnings call Thursday, described streaming as “a generational disruption” to the industry. Wbd’s just-announced deal with Disney to introduce a three-way bundle comprising Max, Disney+ and Hulu starting this summer in the U.S. is emblematic of a “restructuring of how people view content,” he said.
“It does feel like this is a moment, a moment in terms of what the next year two years will bring,” Zaslav said. “You know I said a while back that this is a generational disruption.
- 5/9/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety - Film News
Netflix used to say its goal was to become HBO faster than HBO could become Netflix.
Well, Netflix succeeded on that front. Now Warner Bros. Discovery — in partnership with Disney and others — is looking to recomposite a cable TV-style streaming bundle to gain greater scale before Netflix gets even farther ahead of legacy media companies.
David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, speaking on the company’s Q1 earnings call Thursday, described streaming as “a generational disruption” to the industry. Wbd’s just-announced deal with Disney to introduce a three-way bundle comprising Max, Disney+ and Hulu starting this summer in the U.
Well, Netflix succeeded on that front. Now Warner Bros. Discovery — in partnership with Disney and others — is looking to recomposite a cable TV-style streaming bundle to gain greater scale before Netflix gets even farther ahead of legacy media companies.
David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, speaking on the company’s Q1 earnings call Thursday, described streaming as “a generational disruption” to the industry. Wbd’s just-announced deal with Disney to introduce a three-way bundle comprising Max, Disney+ and Hulu starting this summer in the U.
- 5/9/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety - TV News
The Guinness World Records once listed the BBC’s Doctor Who as the “most successful Science Fiction television series in the world,” and, in November 2023, the show turned an impressive 60 years old. Doctor Who originally ran from 1963 to 1989 and was relaunched in 2005.
Despite its grand age, it’s not demonstrating any signs of slowing down.
Former showrunner Russell T Davies (fresh from his success with It’s A Sin) returns to the franchise following last year’s Christmas specials with fan-favorites David Tennant and Catherine Tate. With the 14th season — which, for the first time ever, will premiere simultaneously worldwide thanks to Disney+ (on Friday at 7 p.m.) — Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education and Barbie) officially becomes the newest incarnation of the errant Time Lord.
But, what about those who have already played the role of The Doctor (a.k.a. Doctor Who) over the past seven decades? Below is your 101 to all of the lead actors.
Despite its grand age, it’s not demonstrating any signs of slowing down.
Former showrunner Russell T Davies (fresh from his success with It’s A Sin) returns to the franchise following last year’s Christmas specials with fan-favorites David Tennant and Catherine Tate. With the 14th season — which, for the first time ever, will premiere simultaneously worldwide thanks to Disney+ (on Friday at 7 p.m.) — Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education and Barbie) officially becomes the newest incarnation of the errant Time Lord.
But, what about those who have already played the role of The Doctor (a.k.a. Doctor Who) over the past seven decades? Below is your 101 to all of the lead actors.
- 5/9/2024
- by Cameron K McEwan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Eric Schultz knows his way around politics. The Washington, D.C. consultant served as deputy White House press secretary during the Obama Administration from 2014-2017. He’s also worked for Sen. Charles Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
But in the last few years, he’s been getting very familiar with Hollywood, consulting for shows like “Succession” and most recently Alex Garland’s A24 drama “Civil War.”
But now, he’s going in front of the camera. Schultz makes his acting debut with a cameo on Thursday’s season finale of Max’s “The Girls on the Bus.” He...
But in the last few years, he’s been getting very familiar with Hollywood, consulting for shows like “Succession” and most recently Alex Garland’s A24 drama “Civil War.”
But now, he’s going in front of the camera. Schultz makes his acting debut with a cameo on Thursday’s season finale of Max’s “The Girls on the Bus.” He...
- 5/9/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety - TV News
During his sold-out Hollywood Bowl show on Wednesday, Matt Rife nodded to his controversial 2023 Netflix special, which sparked ire due to a joke about domestic violence.
He broached the subject during a nearly 90-minute set featuring jokes about drugs, old people and insomnia. At one point, the 28-year-old comedian smoked a joint with a 68-year-old woman in the crowd. Much of Rife’s stand-up set revolved around what types of jokes are “Ok” and “not Ok” to say, especially in front of a Los Angeles crowd.
After making a few jokes about transgender people, Rife quipped, “What am I gonna do?...
He broached the subject during a nearly 90-minute set featuring jokes about drugs, old people and insomnia. At one point, the 28-year-old comedian smoked a joint with a 68-year-old woman in the crowd. Much of Rife’s stand-up set revolved around what types of jokes are “Ok” and “not Ok” to say, especially in front of a Los Angeles crowd.
After making a few jokes about transgender people, Rife quipped, “What am I gonna do?...
- 5/9/2024
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety - TV News
Three-time Emmy nominee Melanie Lynskey has been confirmed as starring in “Pike River,” the upcoming dramatic thriller set and shot in New Zealand and centered around one of the country’s worst disasters in modern history.
Signature Entertainment has unveiled a first look of Lynskey alongside co-star Robyn Malcolm, both of whom had been rumoured in the New Zealand press as the film’s lead cast. Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) also stars. Signature will launch international sales at the Cannes Film Market.
Directed by Robert Sarkies (“Out of the Blue”) from a script by Fiona Samuel (“Consent”), “Pike River” focuses on the true story of Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, two women whose friendship empowered them to fight for justice after the Pike River Mine tragedy in 2010, which took the lives of 29 men underground. The feature is produced by Vicky Pope and Timothy White (“I Am Mother”).
“Pike River...
Signature Entertainment has unveiled a first look of Lynskey alongside co-star Robyn Malcolm, both of whom had been rumoured in the New Zealand press as the film’s lead cast. Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) also stars. Signature will launch international sales at the Cannes Film Market.
Directed by Robert Sarkies (“Out of the Blue”) from a script by Fiona Samuel (“Consent”), “Pike River” focuses on the true story of Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, two women whose friendship empowered them to fight for justice after the Pike River Mine tragedy in 2010, which took the lives of 29 men underground. The feature is produced by Vicky Pope and Timothy White (“I Am Mother”).
“Pike River...
- 5/9/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
The U.K. premiere of The Outrun, starring Saoirse Ronan, will open this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff), it has been announced.
In Nora Fingscheidt’s adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s best-selling memoir of the same name, Ronan’s character finds herself washed up on the Scottish islands of Orkney as she battles to rebuild her life after a decade of addiction.
Ronan, who also co-produced the film, will join Fingscheidt (System Crasher) at this year’s Eiff, running Aug. 15-21, alongside Liptrot and the film’s producers Sarah Brocklehurst and Dominic Norris.
The film had its world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and will be released by StudioCanal in the U.K. and Ireland on Sep. 27.
Eiff also revealed the name of its short film competition as The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence. Schoonmaker is celebrated for her iconic work as an...
In Nora Fingscheidt’s adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s best-selling memoir of the same name, Ronan’s character finds herself washed up on the Scottish islands of Orkney as she battles to rebuild her life after a decade of addiction.
Ronan, who also co-produced the film, will join Fingscheidt (System Crasher) at this year’s Eiff, running Aug. 15-21, alongside Liptrot and the film’s producers Sarah Brocklehurst and Dominic Norris.
The film had its world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and will be released by StudioCanal in the U.K. and Ireland on Sep. 27.
Eiff also revealed the name of its short film competition as The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence. Schoonmaker is celebrated for her iconic work as an...
- 5/9/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
U.K.-French film company Alief has boarded Cinélatino winner Victoria Linares Villegas’ upcoming horror debut “No salgas” (“Stay Quiet”) as its world sales agent and co-producer, teaming up with El Perro de Argento, the Dominican Republic-based production company founded by Linares Villegas and Carlos Marranzini.
Alief partners Brett Walker and Miguel Angel Govea are heading to Cannes with a sizzle reel to meet with potential buyers and post-production partners at the Marché du Film. Pic is slated for completion by winter 2024, in time for the festival circuit.
Currently filming in the Dominican Republic, the queer coming-of-age horror pic stars Camila Issa (Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark”) Cecile van Welie (San Sebastian’s New Directors Award winner “Carajita”) and Camila Santana (Berlinale Generation’s “Ramona”) as well as newcomer Gabriela Cortés.
In “No salgas,” van Welie portrays Liz, a college student grappling with her sexual identity. While...
Alief partners Brett Walker and Miguel Angel Govea are heading to Cannes with a sizzle reel to meet with potential buyers and post-production partners at the Marché du Film. Pic is slated for completion by winter 2024, in time for the festival circuit.
Currently filming in the Dominican Republic, the queer coming-of-age horror pic stars Camila Issa (Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark”) Cecile van Welie (San Sebastian’s New Directors Award winner “Carajita”) and Camila Santana (Berlinale Generation’s “Ramona”) as well as newcomer Gabriela Cortés.
In “No salgas,” van Welie portrays Liz, a college student grappling with her sexual identity. While...
- 5/9/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety - Film News
U.K.-French film company Alief has boarded Cinélatino winner Victoria Linares Villegas’ upcoming horror debut “No salgas” (“Stay Quiet”) as its world sales agent and co-producer, teaming up with El Perro de Argento, the Dominican Republic-based production company founded by Linares Villegas and Carlos Marranzini.
Alief partners Brett Walker and Miguel Angel Govea are heading to Cannes with a sizzle reel to meet with potential buyers and post-production partners at the Marché du Film. Pic is slated for completion by winter 2024, in time for the festival circuit.
Currently filming in the Dominican Republic, the queer coming-of-age horror pic stars...
Alief partners Brett Walker and Miguel Angel Govea are heading to Cannes with a sizzle reel to meet with potential buyers and post-production partners at the Marché du Film. Pic is slated for completion by winter 2024, in time for the festival circuit.
Currently filming in the Dominican Republic, the queer coming-of-age horror pic stars...
- 5/9/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety - TV News
Lionsgate will handle U.S. distribution of eagerly awaited “Greenland” sequel “Greenland: Migration,” Variety can confirm.
STX, which has a distribution partnership with Lionsgate, is handling international distribution.
Directed by Ric Roman Waugh from a screenplay by Chris Sparling and Mitchell Lafortune, “Greenland: Migration” sees Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin return as John and Allison Garrity. Along with their diabetic son Nathan, the couple were forced to flee in the first film as a comet hurtled towards earth, threatening to destroy the planet. In the sequel the family embark on a perilous journey across what’s left of Europe to find a new home.
Butler and Baccarin are joined by Roman Griffin Davis (“Jojo Rabbit”), Amber Rose Revah (“The Punisher”) and Trond Fausa (“Oppenheimer”) in the film, which is produced by Anton, STX Entertainment, Thunder Road Pictures and Butler’s G-base Entertainment.
“In the film, the Garrity family, having found...
STX, which has a distribution partnership with Lionsgate, is handling international distribution.
Directed by Ric Roman Waugh from a screenplay by Chris Sparling and Mitchell Lafortune, “Greenland: Migration” sees Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin return as John and Allison Garrity. Along with their diabetic son Nathan, the couple were forced to flee in the first film as a comet hurtled towards earth, threatening to destroy the planet. In the sequel the family embark on a perilous journey across what’s left of Europe to find a new home.
Butler and Baccarin are joined by Roman Griffin Davis (“Jojo Rabbit”), Amber Rose Revah (“The Punisher”) and Trond Fausa (“Oppenheimer”) in the film, which is produced by Anton, STX Entertainment, Thunder Road Pictures and Butler’s G-base Entertainment.
“In the film, the Garrity family, having found...
- 5/9/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety - Film News
“Lioness” has been renewed for Season 2 at Paramount+, Variety has learned.
Previously titled “Special Ops: Lioness,” the series debuted its first season at the streamer in July 2023. It hails from Taylor Sheridan, who produced the series under his expansive overall deal with Paramount.
The series stars Zoe Saldana, Laysla De Oliveira, Nicole Kidman, Michael Kelly, and Morgan Freeman. Freeman will be a series regular in the second season. Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, Lamonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton and Hannah Love Lanier also star.
“Our Paramount+ audience resoundingly has joined forces in support of ‘Lioness’’ gripping, global story...
Previously titled “Special Ops: Lioness,” the series debuted its first season at the streamer in July 2023. It hails from Taylor Sheridan, who produced the series under his expansive overall deal with Paramount.
The series stars Zoe Saldana, Laysla De Oliveira, Nicole Kidman, Michael Kelly, and Morgan Freeman. Freeman will be a series regular in the second season. Dave Annable, Jill Wagner, Lamonica Garrett, James Jordan, Austin Hébert, Jonah Wharton and Hannah Love Lanier also star.
“Our Paramount+ audience resoundingly has joined forces in support of ‘Lioness’’ gripping, global story...
- 5/9/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Warner Bros. has made it official: It will be returning to Middle-earth.
On Warner Bros. Discovery’s first-quarter earnings conference call on Thursday, CEO David Zaslav said that the company is “now in the early stages of script development” for new Lord of the Rings movies, which he says they “anticipate releasing in 2026” and will “explore storylines yet to be told.”
The first film, from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, will be called Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (working title), with Andy Serkis set to star and direct the feature,
Zaslav says that director Peter Jackson and his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way.” Boyens and Walsh will write the screenplay. The deal covers two films in the franchise.
“It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator,...
On Warner Bros. Discovery’s first-quarter earnings conference call on Thursday, CEO David Zaslav said that the company is “now in the early stages of script development” for new Lord of the Rings movies, which he says they “anticipate releasing in 2026” and will “explore storylines yet to be told.”
The first film, from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, will be called Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (working title), with Andy Serkis set to star and direct the feature,
Zaslav says that director Peter Jackson and his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way.” Boyens and Walsh will write the screenplay. The deal covers two films in the franchise.
“It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Music Group reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $1.5 billion, up 7 percent from a year ago, and net income of $96 million, up from $37 million a year ago. While both numbers saw a jump, the company reported earnings per share of 18 cents per share, below Wall Street expectations of 20 cents.
The bottom-line results were driven by a strong operating performance — $12 million in savings from a March 2023 restructuring plan — and the impact of exchange rates on the company’s Euro-denominated debt, which led to a gain of $21 million in the quarter compared to a loss of $20 million in the prior-year quarter.
“Our performance in the quarter was driven by an acceleration in Recorded Music subscription streaming growth and continued momentum in music publishing,” said Bryan Castellani, CFO of Warner Music. “Encouraged by the continued growth in engagement and value of music, we remain focused on delivering on our strategy and driving long-term shareholder value.
The bottom-line results were driven by a strong operating performance — $12 million in savings from a March 2023 restructuring plan — and the impact of exchange rates on the company’s Euro-denominated debt, which led to a gain of $21 million in the quarter compared to a loss of $20 million in the prior-year quarter.
“Our performance in the quarter was driven by an acceleration in Recorded Music subscription streaming growth and continued momentum in music publishing,” said Bryan Castellani, CFO of Warner Music. “Encouraged by the continued growth in engagement and value of music, we remain focused on delivering on our strategy and driving long-term shareholder value.
- 5/9/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As it cruises toward its $13 billion deal to go private with Silver Lake, Endeavor reported first-quarter earnings Thursday.
The company reported total revenue of $1.85 billion, and a net loss of $303.5 million, with adjusted Ebitda of $374.1 million. Total revenue was way up compared to last year, thanks to sports entertainment powerhouse WWE now being controlled by the company.
While the company’s owned sports division (consisting primarily of Tko Group Holdings) reported a strong quarter of $685.4 million, its other divisions reported slight declines compared to last year, owing to fewer events being held in the first quarter of 2024 than the prior year.
In Endeavor’s representation segment, which includes the WME talent agency, revenue was $345.3 million, down 1.4 percent. The company says that WME’s music, comedy, talent and sports divisions were all up, but that “certain fashion projects” that took place in the first quarter of 2023 did not happen in the quarter this year,...
The company reported total revenue of $1.85 billion, and a net loss of $303.5 million, with adjusted Ebitda of $374.1 million. Total revenue was way up compared to last year, thanks to sports entertainment powerhouse WWE now being controlled by the company.
While the company’s owned sports division (consisting primarily of Tko Group Holdings) reported a strong quarter of $685.4 million, its other divisions reported slight declines compared to last year, owing to fewer events being held in the first quarter of 2024 than the prior year.
In Endeavor’s representation segment, which includes the WME talent agency, revenue was $345.3 million, down 1.4 percent. The company says that WME’s music, comedy, talent and sports divisions were all up, but that “certain fashion projects” that took place in the first quarter of 2023 did not happen in the quarter this year,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pan-Arab distributor Mad Solutions is expanding operations by setting up Mad World, a Dubai-based company dedicated to selling Arab movies internationally that will officially launch in Cannes.
Touted as Arab cinema’s first global sales outfit, Mad World segues from Mad Solution’s first foray in the international distribution arena last year with Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani’s “Goodbye Julia” which they sold widely after it’s splashy launch from Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section.
In addition to acquiring global rights to an increasing number of international co-productions, the Cairo-based studio has been stepping up its involvement in packaging Arabic projects with global market potential.
Besides fresh product, Mad World will be handling sales on an extensive library of recent festival award-winners, including shorts, and a back-catalog of titles comprising regional theatrical and streaming titles, many of which have not reached audiences outside the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.
Touted as Arab cinema’s first global sales outfit, Mad World segues from Mad Solution’s first foray in the international distribution arena last year with Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani’s “Goodbye Julia” which they sold widely after it’s splashy launch from Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section.
In addition to acquiring global rights to an increasing number of international co-productions, the Cairo-based studio has been stepping up its involvement in packaging Arabic projects with global market potential.
Besides fresh product, Mad World will be handling sales on an extensive library of recent festival award-winners, including shorts, and a back-catalog of titles comprising regional theatrical and streaming titles, many of which have not reached audiences outside the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.
- 5/9/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Oscar winner Cate Blanchett will receive the Donostia Award at the 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival.
The Australian star, known for her roles in films such as The Aviator, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and more recently the Oscar-nominated Tár, will also feature on the official poster for the festival, created by graphic designer José Luis Lanzagorta.
Blanchett has racked up more than 200 acknowledgments and accolades across her long-spanning career, including two Academy Awards from six nominations. She has won four BAFTAs and four Golden Globes.
It will be her first visit to the event in San Sebastian, Spain, taking place Sept. 20-28, though the festival has already screened a number of her films, including Babel (2007) and Veronica Guerin (2003), competing for the top prize, the Golden Shell.
The announcement marks the second time an Australian actor has been given the festival’s highest honorary award after Hugh Jackman in...
The Australian star, known for her roles in films such as The Aviator, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and more recently the Oscar-nominated Tár, will also feature on the official poster for the festival, created by graphic designer José Luis Lanzagorta.
Blanchett has racked up more than 200 acknowledgments and accolades across her long-spanning career, including two Academy Awards from six nominations. She has won four BAFTAs and four Golden Globes.
It will be her first visit to the event in San Sebastian, Spain, taking place Sept. 20-28, though the festival has already screened a number of her films, including Babel (2007) and Veronica Guerin (2003), competing for the top prize, the Golden Shell.
The announcement marks the second time an Australian actor has been given the festival’s highest honorary award after Hugh Jackman in...
- 5/9/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If the 2023 upfronts were about disruption, the 2024 upfronts are about Disruption with a capital “D.”
Last year’s events were quite literally disrupted, with striking WGA writers on picket lines outside the New York City venues and the annual presentations to advertisers blunted by a noted lack of star power, as actors proved unwilling to cross those picket lines. While companies like Disney and NBCUniversal tried to make up for it by leaning on their news and sports talent, it was nonetheless a muted week.
This year, the disruption is more figurative, but in many ways much worse: Linear TV, the linchpin of the ad business for Hollywood, is rapidly eroding. At the same time, this is the year that the streaming behemoths have decided to go for the ad jugular, with Netflix planning an “immersive” experience for media buyers and Amazon storming into upfronts only months after turning on...
Last year’s events were quite literally disrupted, with striking WGA writers on picket lines outside the New York City venues and the annual presentations to advertisers blunted by a noted lack of star power, as actors proved unwilling to cross those picket lines. While companies like Disney and NBCUniversal tried to make up for it by leaning on their news and sports talent, it was nonetheless a muted week.
This year, the disruption is more figurative, but in many ways much worse: Linear TV, the linchpin of the ad business for Hollywood, is rapidly eroding. At the same time, this is the year that the streaming behemoths have decided to go for the ad jugular, with Netflix planning an “immersive” experience for media buyers and Amazon storming into upfronts only months after turning on...
- 5/9/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Walter Hauser has added another project to a packed upcoming slate.
The Emmy and Golden Globe winner, who in the last few weeks alone has been tapped to play Chris Farley in Josh Gad’s biopic and has joined the cast of both “Fantastic Four” and the “Naked Gun” reboot, is to lead “Press Your Luck,” a drama-thriller based on the true story of Michael Larson. Protagonist Pictures has unveiled the drama-thriller — from Plenty Good in co-production with Fabula — alongside a first look image and will handle international sales, while CAA Media Finance represents North American rights.
Set in 1984, “Press Your Luck” follows Larson, an unemployed truck driver from Ohio who stepped onto the game show “Press Your Luck” harbouring a secret: the key to endless amounts of money. But his winning streak gets threatened when the executives in the control room start to uncover his real motivations.
The...
The Emmy and Golden Globe winner, who in the last few weeks alone has been tapped to play Chris Farley in Josh Gad’s biopic and has joined the cast of both “Fantastic Four” and the “Naked Gun” reboot, is to lead “Press Your Luck,” a drama-thriller based on the true story of Michael Larson. Protagonist Pictures has unveiled the drama-thriller — from Plenty Good in co-production with Fabula — alongside a first look image and will handle international sales, while CAA Media Finance represents North American rights.
Set in 1984, “Press Your Luck” follows Larson, an unemployed truck driver from Ohio who stepped onto the game show “Press Your Luck” harbouring a secret: the key to endless amounts of money. But his winning streak gets threatened when the executives in the control room start to uncover his real motivations.
The...
- 5/9/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
Endeavor delivered a loss for the first three months of the year as the parent company of UFC, WWE, WME and Img burned through nearly $400 million in cash during the first quarter.
The company released its Q1 2024 earnings report Thursday, which is likely to be one of its last as a public company as Endeavor awaits the completion of its deal to be bought out at $27.50 per share in cash by private-equity firm Silver Lake. That deal is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
The parent company that controls publicly traded sports firm Tko Group Holdings,...
The company released its Q1 2024 earnings report Thursday, which is likely to be one of its last as a public company as Endeavor awaits the completion of its deal to be bought out at $27.50 per share in cash by private-equity firm Silver Lake. That deal is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
The parent company that controls publicly traded sports firm Tko Group Holdings,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety - TV News
Warner Bros. Discovery reported its first-quarter 2024 earnings Thursday, revealing it had reached 99.6 million paid streaming subscribers in a tough quarter for studios and networks.
That’s a growth of nearly 2 million subscribers from the 97.7 million subs across HBO and streamers Max and Discovery+ that Warner Bros. Discovery reported for the end of 2023.
On Wednesday, Wbd and Disney announced a deal to launch a streaming bundle with Max, Disney+ and Hulu this summer. Pricing wasn’t disclosed.
Wbd’s overall net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $966 million. Free cash flow stood at $390 million. The company paid $515 million in net...
That’s a growth of nearly 2 million subscribers from the 97.7 million subs across HBO and streamers Max and Discovery+ that Warner Bros. Discovery reported for the end of 2023.
On Wednesday, Wbd and Disney announced a deal to launch a streaming bundle with Max, Disney+ and Hulu this summer. Pricing wasn’t disclosed.
Wbd’s overall net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $966 million. Free cash flow stood at $390 million. The company paid $515 million in net...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety - TV News
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav on Thursday argued the future of his studio and the wider TV streaming landscape will be driven by the increased packaging and marketing of streaming products together.
“As we look at what happens ahead, there likely will be a restructuring of how people view content. And there’s a lot of irrationality in the market that’s getting shaken out, in terms of the amount of money spent. We said early on, it’s not how much, it’s how good, and that’s what we’re focusing on. And ultimately, the business will look very different in two to three years,” Zaslav told analysts during a morning call as rival streamers increasingly move to bundle their offerings together.
After releasing their first quarter earnings results, Wbd execs talked about proposed streaming bundle partnerships with rival studios, including a sports steaming pact with Disney and Fox,...
“As we look at what happens ahead, there likely will be a restructuring of how people view content. And there’s a lot of irrationality in the market that’s getting shaken out, in terms of the amount of money spent. We said early on, it’s not how much, it’s how good, and that’s what we’re focusing on. And ultimately, the business will look very different in two to three years,” Zaslav told analysts during a morning call as rival streamers increasingly move to bundle their offerings together.
After releasing their first quarter earnings results, Wbd execs talked about proposed streaming bundle partnerships with rival studios, including a sports steaming pact with Disney and Fox,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Georg Szalai and Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amsterdam- and Beijing-based Fortissimo Films is to pre-sell Chinese crime drama “Family at large,” kicking off at the Cannes Market.
The film had previously been announced with sales handled jointly by Fortissimo and Rediance. Now, Fortissimo alone is representing rights worldwide, ex-China.
Directed by Kang Bo, the film is set in the chilly far north of the country. Recently released from prison, Zhu Shaoyu is a former trafficker of women who is forced to return to the sordid business when his son is abducted. He goes undercover and tries to infiltrate the kidnap gang. But he finds that the boy’s minder, awash in gambling debts, is also intent on holding him hostage. In order to gain leverage, the gang targets the minder’s pregnant girlfriend and convinces her to sell her unborn child.
The cast is headed by the in-demand Hu Ge “(“The Wild Goose Lake,” Wong Kar-wai’s...
The film had previously been announced with sales handled jointly by Fortissimo and Rediance. Now, Fortissimo alone is representing rights worldwide, ex-China.
Directed by Kang Bo, the film is set in the chilly far north of the country. Recently released from prison, Zhu Shaoyu is a former trafficker of women who is forced to return to the sordid business when his son is abducted. He goes undercover and tries to infiltrate the kidnap gang. But he finds that the boy’s minder, awash in gambling debts, is also intent on holding him hostage. In order to gain leverage, the gang targets the minder’s pregnant girlfriend and convinces her to sell her unborn child.
The cast is headed by the in-demand Hu Ge “(“The Wild Goose Lake,” Wong Kar-wai’s...
- 5/9/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
Doctor Who mastermind Russell T. Davies is weighing in on the controversy surrounding Netflix‘s smash hit series Baby Reindeer.
The writer said in an interview with The Times that the BBC would have been “much stricter” when it comes to disguising the real-life identities of the characters created by Scottish comedian Richard Gadd. “Compliance and editorial policy drives us mad here but I sleep at night,” Davies said.
His comments follow a whirlwind of scrutiny for Netflix producers, and even fans of the series, who took it upon themselves to try and unveil the real people depicted on the show, including the trans woman Gadd’s character dates, played by Nava Mau, and the TV producer who sexually assaults him, portrayed by Tom Goodman-Hill.
On Thursday, British host Piers Morgan will interview a woman named Fiona Harvey who claims to be the inspiration behind the show’s stalker, Martha.
The writer said in an interview with The Times that the BBC would have been “much stricter” when it comes to disguising the real-life identities of the characters created by Scottish comedian Richard Gadd. “Compliance and editorial policy drives us mad here but I sleep at night,” Davies said.
His comments follow a whirlwind of scrutiny for Netflix producers, and even fans of the series, who took it upon themselves to try and unveil the real people depicted on the show, including the trans woman Gadd’s character dates, played by Nava Mau, and the TV producer who sexually assaults him, portrayed by Tom Goodman-Hill.
On Thursday, British host Piers Morgan will interview a woman named Fiona Harvey who claims to be the inspiration behind the show’s stalker, Martha.
- 5/9/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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